Pet Insurance

At HISL Brokers Limited we know how important your pet is to you, and understand that having a pet insurance policy in place can give you important peace of mind.

Your pet is a precious member of your family, and the thought of them falling ill or having an accident can be extremely upsetting – and the cost of vet treatment can also be expensive too. Thankfully, pet insurance will help to ensure that they are protected if the unexpected should happen.

Do you want to make sure that your furry friend is covered in the event of an accident or if they become unwell? If you’re looking for the best pet insurance plans and would like to know more about animal insurance, read on to find out how HISL Brokers Limited can help you to protect your pet.

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What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance provides protection for your pet in the event that they are ill, get injured or have an accident. It will help to cover the cost of your vet bills, and ensure that your dog or cat will have the care that they need.

What pet insurance covers

An insurance policy for your pet could provide cover for the following:

Types of animal: Pet insurance typically covers dogs, cats and horses, but it may also be possible to cover exotic pets such as lizards.
Accidents and injuries: Provides help towards the cost of vets bills in the event of an accident or injury.
Unexpected illness treatment: If you have booked a holiday and your pet falls ill, this will provide compensation if you are forced to cancel your plans.
Overseas travel cover: If your pet falls ill or has an accident while you are on holiday abroad, this will ensure they are covered for treatment costs.
Boarding fees: If you need to spend time in hospital and cannot care for your pet temporarily, this will cover your pet’s kennel or cattery fees.
Liability cover: Provides cover if a third party decides to take legal action as a result of your pet causing accidental damage or an accident.
Advertising and reward: If your pet goes missing or is stolen, this will cover the fees for trying to find them and offering a subsequent reward.
Compensation: If your pet passes away, this will pay out a lump sum.
Burial or cremation costs: Some pet insurance policies will cover the cost of your pet’s burial or cremation.

These are just examples of some of the types of pet insurance policies that we look after at HISL Brokers Limited. As we know that no two pets are the same, speak to us today to find out which policies will best meet your needs.

Types of pet insurance

There are four main types of pet insurance that you can consider for your pet:

Accident only: If your pet is in an accident and suffers an injury, this will provide cover for vet bills and offers the lowest amount of protection.
Time limited: Cover for accidents or short-term illnesses is only provided for a specific amount of time.
Per condition: This is also known as maximum benefit cover, and it will cover the cost of treating each illness or injury.
Lifetime: This will protect your pet over the course of its life, however it is the most expensive type of cover.

Do I need pet insurance?

If you own a pet, having pet insurance will ensure they can have the care they need if they fall ill or have an accident. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average pet insurance claim is £750 – without having insurance for your pet in place, would you be able to afford this bill yourself?

The cost of pet insurance

As with all types of insurance, the premium that you will pay for your pet insurance depends on the level of cover that you need and any optional extras that you choose to add to your policy.

The factors that can affect your premium may include:

The age of your pet.
Their medical history.
Whether they have any pre-existing conditions.
Their breed (for example whether they are a pedigree or a cross breed).
Where you live.

However, there are ways that you can reduce the amount that you pay for your pet life insurance. These include:

Researching the breed before you buy: If you are looking to buy a new pet, it might be worth you taking the time to find out what medical conditions they are prone to.
Taking out a multi-pet insurance policy: If you own more than one pet, it may be possible to get a discount if you take out more than one pet insurance policy with the same provider.
Ensuring their vaccinations are up-to-date: By making sure that your pet always has their annual booster injections, this could help to lower your pet insurance premium.
Increase your excess: Paying an increased excess (if you can afford to) could help to lower your pet insurance premium.

At HISL Brokers Limited we understand that cost is important to you, but it is crucial to ensure that your pet is properly protected. With that in mind, we will take the time to understand your specific needs and recommend the amount of cover that is best suited to you.

What else do I need to know about pet insurance?

In the UK there is no legal requirement to have pet insurance in place for your pet. However, it can help to provide some important financial reassurance in the event that your dog or cat becomes ill or is involved in an accident.

In addition, although it is only a legal requirement to microchip your dog, microchipping your cat will not only make it much easier to find your pet in the event that they go missing, but it could also help to lower your pet insurance premiums too.

Finally, it is important to be aware of the exclusions that won’t be covered by your dog insurance or cat insurance policy. These may include:

Preventive treatments for your pet (such as neutering and vaccinations).
Dental treatment.
Any pre-existing conditions.
Routine check-ups.
Behavioural problems.

How can I get pet insurance?

HISL Brokers Limited have a team of specialist advisers ready to help you get the right protection in place for your pet.

We will take the time to understand your specific needs and are committed to delivering a completely personalised service, ensuring that you have the best possible cover at the best possible price.

To find out how much peace of mind costs, contact Paul Kerner by calling: (0)20 7220 9020.